Bidayuhs want Southern Region Development Agency set up to increase participation in business

KUCHING: The Bidayuh community through Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) is very supportive of the idea to set up Southern Region Development Agency (SRDA).

The SRDA was proposed by Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) vice president Dato Winsel Ahtos during the opening of DCCI’s 17th annual general meeting at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.

Winsel, representing the Bidayuh entrepreneurs, was giving a presentation on ‘Dayaks in Business - A Bidayuh Perspective’ before the AGM was declared open by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to Winsel, the proposed SRDA would cover areas from Telok Melano to Serian.

He added that SRDA would ensure that the Bidayuh areas were not left out of mainstream development, and to increase the community’s participation in business.

The existing regional agencies are Northern Region Development Agency, Highland Development Agency and Upper Rajang Development Agency. There are plans by the government to set up Integrated Development Agency for Samarahan.

“The Bidayuhs are asking the government to set up SRDA, which will make up the Bidayuh Belt stretching from Serian to Bau and Lundu. DBNA is very supportive of the idea because it will help to spur and fast track development in those areas,” said DCCI in a statement.

It added these areas are blessed with rich resources and fertile soil which is good for agriculture.